Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Principal Scientist, Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC)

$176.2k - $277.3k

1556 Merck Research Laboratories Massachusetts, LLC

Job Description

Our Company is currently seeking an exceptional scientific leader for our Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) group at our Boston, MA site. The core responsibility of the successful candidate will be to lead a team of scientists in the development of innovative solutions to complex chemistry problems across a diverse portfolio of projects and modalities in the discovery phase, from lead identification through candidate selection, with the goal to apply these solutions to facilitate medicinal chemistry research by overcoming synthetic bottlenecks, streamlining SAR analogue synthesis, and providing access to novel chemical space. The position is also responsible for defining scalable synthetic routes and successfully transitioning candidate compounds from discovery into early development, as well as managing supply of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) at varying scales during this period. Close collaboration with chemistry colleagues in Medicinal Chemistry and Process Chemistry, as well as a broad array of other discovery and preclinical research groups, will be expected. As such, subject matter expertise in Medicinal or Process Chemistry is critical. The candidate must be highly self-motivated, demonstrate strong leadership, possess strong experimental skills, have excellent written and oral communication abilities, collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in adapting to change in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment. In addition to supervising direct scientific reports, the candidate is also expected to provide broader mentorship and expertise across the DPC group. The candidate will be expected to remain current with the latest synthetic methodologies, drive innovation, actively apply new concepts to continuously improve PR&D capabilities and expertise, and be active in the external scientific community via publications and external presentations.

Position Qualifications

Education Requirement: PhD in Organic Chemistry

Required Experience and Skills:

  • A minimum of 5 years experience with a proven track record of scientific excellence and successful research
  • Expertise in organic synthesis
  • Demonstrated creativity and innovation in problem solving
  • Productivity and efficiency working in the lab
  • Proven track record of successful research in medicinal and/or process chemistry
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent collaboration skills
  • Ability to contribute to and lead cross‑functional teams and influence team strategy and decision‑making
  • Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations
  • Demonstrated ability to develop talent

Required Skills:

  • Bioconjugation
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Computational Chemistry
  • High-Throughput Experimentation (HTE)
  • Inorganic Synthesis
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Organic Synthesis
  • Organometallic Chemistry
  • Preclinical Research
  • Process Chemistry
  • Scientific Publishing
  • Structure Based Drug Design
  • Synthetic Chemistry
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds.

The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment.

We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The primary location for this posting is: USA - Massachusetts - Boston (MA Parcel B Laboratory).

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $176,200.00 - $277,300.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting.

An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

More information about benefits is available at

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position.

Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. We may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information: San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Job Posting End Date: 11/28/2026

#J-18808-Ljbffr
Vacancy posted 2 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Principal Scientist, Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) in Boston, MA vacancy
  • $176.2k - $277.3k

     ...currently seeking an exceptional scientific leader for our Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) group at our Boston, MA site.The core responsibility of the successful candidate will be to lead a team of scientists in the development of innovative solutions to complex chemistry... 
    Principal
    Full time
    For contractors
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)

    Boston, MA
    3 days ago
  • $121.28k - $202.13k

     ...to R&D Position Summary The successful candidate will join GSK’s oligonucleotide synthesis lab as a process discovery chemist, bridging early discovery-stage chemistry with the process rigor needed to reliably deliver in vivo study material. This is a discovery lab that... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Local area

    GSK

    Cambridge, MA
    4 days ago
  • $168k - $252k

     ...seeking an accomplished Senior Principal Scientist with proven record of...  ...agentic AI systems for drug discovery. In this role, you will work...  ...ExperiencePh.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, or a...  ...connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Summer work
    Remote work
    Flexible hours
    2 days per week
    3 days per week

    Vertex Pharmaceuticals

    Boston, MA
    3 days ago
  • $168k - $252k

     ...agentic systems across drug discovery. Working at the intersection...  ...expertise in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, and AI-driven...  ...rigorous AI co-scientists that enhance compound design...  ...connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Summer work
    Remote work
    Flexible hours
    2 days per week
    3 days per week

    Vertex Pharmaceuticals

    Boston, MA
    3 days ago
  • $72k - $215.6k

     ...waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for...  ...and executing formulation and process development studies for RNA-...  ...supplies for assigned projects. The scientist will work closely with other...  ...in chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmaceutical science,... 
    Principal
    Full time
    H1b
    Visa sponsorship
    Work visa
    Flexible hours

    100 Eli Lilly and Company

    Boston, MA
    1 day ago
  • $194.1k - $305.6k

     ...DescriptionPrincipal Scientist, High Throughput Production...  ...Group Leader, Discovery BiologicsWe are on a quest...  ...solutions for the role of Principal Scientist (Director...  ..., Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science...  ...engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true... 
    Principal
    Full time
    For contractors
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)

    Boston, MA
    2 days ago
  • $117k - $201.25k

     ...their merit. Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development...  ...for the best talent for a Principal Scientist, Animal Genetic Engineering...  .... Understanding of IACUC processes, animal welfare regulations...  ..., Biotechnology, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control... 
    Principal
    Contract work
    Local area
    Immediate start

    Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

    Cambridge, MA
    5 days ago
  • $117k - $201.25k

     ...their merit. Job Function Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development...  ...is recruiting for a Principal Scientist, AI-Native Discovery (Large...  ...therapeutic development processes. Strong scientific leadership...  ...Skills Budget Management, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control... 
    Principal
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Local area
    Remote work

    Johnson & Johnson Co.

    Cambridge, MA
    3 days ago
  • $126k - $234k

     ...a highly collaborative scientist to lead biology and drug-discovery efforts for novel immune...  ..., especially for Senior Principal ScientistStrong track record...  ...part of the application process, or to perform the...  ...Influence, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research,... 
    Principal
    Full time

    Novartis

    Cambridge, MA
    2 days ago
  • $160k - $224k

     ...is seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to lead Target Binding efforts...  ...multiple biotherapeutic discovery and development programs. The...  ..., instrumentation, data processing, reproducibility, and interpretation...  ..., biophysics, analytical chemistry, protein science, chemical... 
    Principal
    Shift work

    Generate Biomedicines

    Somerville, MA
    3 days ago
  • $214.1k - $337k

    Job DescriptionSenior Principal Scientist - Boston, MAOverviewWe are seeking...  ...mass spectrometry-enabled discovery within the Quantitative...  ..., pharmacology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical...  ...understanding of the drug discovery process, including hit finding, hit... 
    Principal
    Full time
    For contractors
    Local area

    Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)

    Boston, MA
    5 days ago
  • $146k - $236.5k

     ...company, is seeking a Sr. Scientist / Principal Scientist, Molecular Simulations...  ...directly with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and external...  ...least part of it in a drug discovery setting (Sr. Scientist); 6+...  .... Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our... 
    Principal

    Seres Therapeutics

    Cambridge, MA
    4 days ago
  • $138.6k - $257.4k

     ...Senior Principal Scientist/Associate DirectorWe are seeking a highly motivated...  ...to enable complex target discovery and validation across...  ...any part of the application process, or to perform the essential...  ...Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical... 
    Principal

    Novartis

    Cambridge, MA
    3 days ago
  • $108.5k - $201.5k

    Job Description SummaryAs a Principal Scientist, you will lead and execute...  ...multiple formats, spanning discovery through transition to development...  ..., and support drug product process developmentDevelop...  ...biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field with 2+... 
    Principal
    Full time

    Novartis

    Somerville, MA
    4 days ago
  • $126k - $234k

     .... NIBR is seeking an in vivo scientist to join our Oncology Pharmacology...  ...the early-stage drug discovery pipeline. This is a labhead-based...  ...any part of the application process, or to perform the essential...  ...Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Remote work

    Novartis

    Cambridge, MA
    1 day ago
  • $163k - $214.5k

     ...responsibility for a scientist who is excited to set...  ...technically versatile Principal Scientist to help build...  ...structural biology, and drug discovery: producing assay-grade...  ...biophysics, physical chemistry, or a related field,...  ...application data is processed through Greenhouse,... 
    Principal
    Contract work

    Seres Therapeutics

    Somerville, MA
    4 days ago
  • $208k - $286k

     ...directions. We are looking for a Senior Principal Scientist to invent and build the next...  ...optimization, and automated scientific discovery. You will help define how AI systems navigate...  ...obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking... 
    Principal

    Seres Therapeutics

    Cambridge, MA
    5 days ago
  • $142.5k - $256.5k

     ...RoleModerna is seeking an accomplished and highly motivated Principal Scientist to join the Antibody Discovery team within Therapeutics Research. Therapeutics...  ...an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position... 
    Principal
    Permanent employment
    Full time
    Work from home

    Moderna Therapeutics

    Somerville, MA
    4 days ago
  • $230.09k - $254.31k

     ...accommodation or an alternative application process. Principal Scientist, Formulations Full Time Technical...  ..., working in lockstep with internal Discovery, Supply Chain, Quality, and external...  ...: A PhD in in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Formulation Sciences, or related... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Contract work

    ADP

    Watertown, MA
    3 days ago
  • $93.8k - $174.2k

     ...motivated and collaborative laboratory scientist to join our Target Biology and Discovery group in Cambridge, Massachusetts...  ...for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential...  ...Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical... 
    Full time
    Remote work

    Novartis

    Somerville, MA
    1 day ago
  • $108.5k - $201.5k

     ...highly motivated PhD scientist with 1-2 years of relevant...  ...cell therapeutics discovery team within Oncology Immune...  ...0 USD Annual per year.Principal Scientist II: $119,700...  ...of the application process, or to perform the...  ...Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials,... 
    Principal
    Full time

    Novartis

    Cambridge, MA
    1 day ago
  • $119.1k - $187.5k

     ...motivated, laboratory-based scientist to join the Neuroimmunology team...  ..., and contribute to the discovery of novel therapies for CNS diseases...  ...pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, biologics, biomarker sciences...  ...can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities... 
    Full time
    For contractors
    Local area

    Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)

    Boston, MA
    2 days ago
  • $148k - $208k

     ...superintelligence while retaining the core scientific discovery capabilities of the stack. The initial...  ...sciences domain: you will connect deep chemistry expertise with dual-use risk assessment...  ...organometallic chemistry, synthesis, process development and formulations, or other... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Lila Sciences

    Cambridge, MA
    2 days ago
  • $108.5k - $201.5k

     ...patients’ lives around the world. As a Principal Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation, you will play a...  ...to the forefront of drug discovery. Working alongside a collaborative...  ...oligonucleotide manufacturing processes.Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Local area
    Worldwide
    Flexible hours

    Novartis

    Somerville, MA
    1 day ago
  • $114.1k - $211.9k

     ...research, biomarker strategy, biomarker discovery, or drug development within the pharmaceutical...  ...will be provided during the application process. Pay equity is a fundamental principle...  ...Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Novartis

    Somerville, MA
    1 day ago
  • $137k - $215.27k

     ...that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and...  ...shine? Join us as a Senior Scientist in our Process Research group...  ...scientist leads early-stage process chemistry development activities (i.e....  ...interaction with Takeda’s discovery functional lines such as... 
    Minimum wage
    Work at office
    Local area
    Afternoon shift
    Early shift

    Takeda

    Boston, MA
    2 days ago
  • $166.77k - $202.09k

     ...is seeking an exceptional Principal Scientist to join our Small Molecule...  ...team. Using computational chemistry, cheminformatics, and machine...  ...that meaningfully advance our discovery programs. We are looking...  ...a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations... 
    Principal
    Hourly pay
    Full time
    Summer work
    Live in
    Local area
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    BMS

    Cambridge, MA
    2 days ago
  • $119.7k - $222.3k

     ...translation. Experience in late discovery into clinical development...  ..., to be considered for Principal Scientist II. 4+ years of experience...  ...any part of the application process, please send an e‑mail to tas...  ...$222,300.00 Skills Desired Chemistry, Clinical Pharmacology,... 
    Principal

    U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Resea...

    Cambridge, MA
    3 days ago
  • $108.5k - $201.5k

     ...SummaryInternal Position Title: Principal Scientist I/IILocation: Cambridge, MA...  ...assays that support drug discovery and development programs...  ...any part of the application process, or to perform the...  ...Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration... 
    Principal
    Full time
    Relocation package

    Novartis

    Cambridge, MA
    5 days ago
  • $108.5k - $201.5k

     ...highly curious, hands-on scientist to help build the next...  .... Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I Position...  ...of early drug discovery and how experimental biology...  ...part of the application process, or to perform the...  ...Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials,... 
    Principal
    Traineeship

    Novartis Group Companies

    Cambridge, MA
    3 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Principal Scientist, Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC). Be the first to apply!